Indiana Pacers vs New Orleans Pelicans preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds February 28
The Indiana Pacers start a mini-series tonight with the New Orleans Pelicans — the two franchises will battle in Indianapolis on Wednesday before a rematch on Friday in New Orleans.
Both teams are currently fighting to avoid the Play-In Tournament in their conference, so they will be motivated to pick up wins. The Pelicans are 7-3 in their last 10 games while the Pacers are 6-4.
These two squads haven't faced off since December 26 of 2022.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports+, Bally Sports New Orleans, ESPN
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are favorites as they are currently -5.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 238.5.
Pacers vs Pelicans Injury Report
For the Pacers, Doug McDermott is out with a right calf strain. Aaron Nesmith is questionable with a right ankle sprain. Kendall Brown, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Isaiah Wong are questionable due to their status on a two-way contract.
The Pelicans are on a back-to-back, so they have not released an official injury report yet. They were without Jose Alvarado, Dyson Daniels, Malcolm Hill, E.J. Lidell, and CJ McCollum on Tuesday night.
Key Matchup
Myles Turner vs Jonas Valanciunas: Valanciunas is a bruising big man who sets hard screens and is a monster on the glass. On many nights, he is exactly what New Orleans needs, and his physicality could be tough for Turner.
But Turner's ability to stretch the floor has been important in this duel over the years, including when he scored 37 points against the Pelicans last season. If Turner can neutralize Valanciunas' impact by knocking down shots and playing physical, it will go a long way for Indiana's chances.
- Tyrese Haliburton spends All-Star weekend as the face of the NBA, winning comes next. CLICK HERE.
- Ben Sheppard is earning trust of Indiana Pacers with his hard play and quality performances. CLICK HERE.
- One-on-one with Indiana Pacers veteran forward James Johnson. CLICK HERE.
- Big nights from Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin were not enough as the Indiana Pacers fell to the Toronto Raptors. CLICK HERE.
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